The Flu Hitting Hard in Illinois

Illinois Public Health Director Lamar Hasbrouck said flu activity is happening earlier this year than most. The virus typically peaks in Illinois in January and February.

3D graphical representation of the biology and structure of a generic influenza virus.

Credit CDC

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Dr. Hasbrouck said some schools have had high absentee rates because of students being sick.

"So if you have mild to moderate symptoms, you should stay at home and nurse yourself. Stay away from work. Stay away from school and get better,” said Hasbrouck.

“But if you're having severe symptoms, by all means reach out to your health care provider.”

Hasbrouck said severe symptoms would include difficulty breathing and those with a chronic condition.

The state tracks the flu's prevalence through the number of people being admitted to hospitals. But he said since most cases are treated at home, many more people are dealing with it than what the state's numbers show.

The flu vaccine is less effective this year because one of the strains it targets has mutated. That means it offers no protection for that specific strain.

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Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past month, you are probably aware of the flu outbreak in the United States. Schools, offices and hospitals are all feeling the effects of the scourge. I know this well, as I work in a hospital which has been full for weeks. Even the nurses are calling in sick in record numbers.